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Recognition at RLPA Awards

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Vodafone Warriors Shaun Johnson and Siliva Havili were honoured in awards events on both sides of the Tasman Sea on Tuesday night.

First the focus was on the 20th annual Vodafone Warriors RED BALL Awards at the SKYCITY Convention Centre.

Among the awards handed out was the DEWALT Play of the Year, which Johnson received on the team’s behalf for the dazzling try the Vodafone Warriors concocted right on halftime in their fourth-round match against Wests Tigers in Wellington in March.

Havili was also acknowledged for his selection in the NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year for completing a Bachelor of Health Science in podiatry.

Later in the evening their names both featured at the Rugby League Players’ Association Awards dinner in Sydney.

Johnson was named the One Solutions New Zealand Representative Player of the Year for his efforts for the Kiwis in the past calendar year incorporating the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and this year’s Anzac Test. The other finalists were Penrith centre Dean Whare and Sydney Roosters winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

“It’s a massive honour to receive this award,” said Johnson in a video message.

“To even be considered among players like Roger and Dean is pretty special.”

Along with team-mate Ben Henry, Havili was recognised among 11 players who received the RLPA Chairman’s Award to mark their representative debuts for Australia and New Zealand.

John Morris (Cronulla), Brent Kite (Penrith) and Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters) were honoured with the RLPA Milestone Award to mark the achievement of playing 300 first grade games.